Bangalore to screen film on Deka

RAJIV KONWAR

Guwahati, June 11: A documentary on the struggle of a writer-cum-journalist against insurgent group Ulfa has been selected for screening at the 3rd Bangalore Short Film Festival to be held from June 21.

The 50-minute documentary, An Anti-insurgent Journey, directed by young Pradyut Kumar Deka depicts how former Asam Sahitya Sabha chief Kanaksen Deka was vocal against subversive activities of the outfit, despite knowing that his tough stand might invite death.

The festival, aimed at recognising and popularising the work of young and experienced filmmakers from across the country and the world, will be held at Bell Hotel and Convention Centre near City Railway in Bangalore.

The documentary has been produced by Rosy Bora and the script is by Jitumoni Bora.

“Nowadays, the media and civil society often criticise Ulfa. But the situation was quite different during the nineties when Ulfa was at its peak. People were afraid of saying anything openly against the group. There were some newspapers that even supported its activities. But a few, including Deka, were cou-rageous enough to criticise the outfit,” said Rosy Bora.

She said because of untiring efforts of a small group of people like Deka it has now become possible to criticise Ulfa if it does anything wrong. Many journalists of the young generation are not aware of it. “An Anti-insurgent Journey is an effort of documenting bold steps like organising rally from Guwahati Press Club against terrorist activities of Ulfa as well as efforts of some others who were vocal against the outfit,” Bora said.

A special screening of the documentary was held last month at Rudra Barua Auditorium of Jyoti Chitraban in Guwahati.